2024-04 · NASA ASRS report 2108530
C172 pilot reported on downwind entry; departure aircraft made an early turn and climb towards downwind resulted in pilot taking evasive action and a NMAC event.
At approximately XA40 I was approaching ZZZ [airport] from the north; to make a 45 degree entry into the right downwind for runway XX. I had been making position reports on CTAF from 10 miles out and had descended to pattern altitude roughly 2 miles north of the field. There was one aircraft in the pattern conducting closed traffic; which I had in sight and announced that I would be entering the downwind leg behind that traffic. Another aircraft (Beech Bonanza) announced takeoff on runway XX. After takeoff; instead of making a crosswind turn the Bonanza made a sharp right turn towards midfield-downwind at my altitude; directly towards my aircraft. I do not recall hearing the Bonanza announce the turn on CTAF. I received ADSB traffic conflict alerts from both the G1000 avionics and my electronic flight bag. I executed a steep turn to the left away from the approaching traffic; and continued the turn for 360 degrees to place myself behind the conflicting aircraft. I then re-entered the right downwind as the Bonanza continued to the East. The failure of the Bonanza to follow the traffic pattern; maintain situational awareness of other aircraft in the pattern; and announce intentions resulted in this traffic conflict.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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